Coasting Down Hill
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: CenTex
That would kinda scare me. I would feel uncomfortable without the torque at the rear wheel helping keep a steady speed. to each their own, but this is something I wouldn't do. Hell, I dont even do it in my cars =/
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
The problem is the countershaft is sitting in the oil and not turning thus no sling effect. The gears on the mainshaft free wheel only being locked to the mainshaft by synchro sleeves and hubs. Therefore when towing with the rear wheels on the ground the mainshaft is being pushed by the driveshaft, the speed gears on the mainshaft are meshed with gears on the countershaft, which is not turning. Thus fry time.
A Harley tranny being a constant mesh would have the same effect over a long enough distance. Hence the motorcycle towing set up where the front of the motorcycle is lifted into a receiver hitch while the rear trails with the tire on the ground. There is a big *caution* stating to remove the chain or drive belt for this very reason.
So will coasting down a grade hurt the tranny? I doubt it but I won't be trying it.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
I read somewhere in my owners manual that towing in neutral with the rear wheel on the ground could damage the transmission. This would be the same as coasting from a mechanical standpoint. I don’t understand why it would cause damage, but the manual says it could so I wont be doing it.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 307
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From: Gardnerville NV
I read somewhere in my owners manual that towing in neutral with the rear wheel on the ground could damage the transmission. This would be the same as coasting from a mechanical standpoint. I dont understand why it would cause damage, but the manual says it could so I wont be doing it.
Looks like I will need to take the belt off
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 640
Likes: 13
From: Hickory, NC area
++1
I love someone dedicated to their convictions - right or wrong! You pull over and take that belt off, coast down the hill with a big ole smile and then pull over and put the belt back on for the rest of the ride. That's man-style right there! No sense in doing anything halfway!
I love someone dedicated to their convictions - right or wrong! You pull over and take that belt off, coast down the hill with a big ole smile and then pull over and put the belt back on for the rest of the ride. That's man-style right there! No sense in doing anything halfway!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
Interesting thread...I live just a few miles from a State Forest where people around here ride all the time...there's an area out there called the Panorama Loop that runs downhill for miles...I started riding in 1967, and the old timers around here showed me where it was way back then...as soon as you head down the Loop, you shut off the engine and take it out of gear...it's not about saving a few cents of gas, it's just about the peace and quiet and the wind in your face...we usually make a contest out of seeing who goes farthest at the end without putting your foot down...I've done this with every bike I've ever owned, and so have all my friends, including guys who were riding when I was just a pup, and I'll be 60 in a couple of weeks...and a lot of these guys are first rate mechanics and can build a bike from the ground up...my point is, I've never known anyone who lost control and had an accident, and have never known anyone who's bike developed a problem from coasting the bike once in awhile...it's just good clean fun, but if it keeps you awake at night, then don't do it...
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
True story.. I wouldn't shzt ya..
Back in 72 I had my Suzuki 90 up in the black hills. I knew my gas was getting tight so being young and knowing everything, I decided to coast down the mountain road. After a few minutes and a few curves, I learned the true value of engine braking. This may be something you have to experience for yourself though.
Back in 72 I had my Suzuki 90 up in the black hills. I knew my gas was getting tight so being young and knowing everything, I decided to coast down the mountain road. After a few minutes and a few curves, I learned the true value of engine braking. This may be something you have to experience for yourself though.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 307
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From: Gardnerville NV
Interesting thread...I live just a few miles from a State Forest where people around here ride all the time...there's an area out there called the Panorama Loop that runs downhill for miles...I started riding in 1967, and the old timers around here showed me where it was way back then...as soon as you head down the Loop, you shut off the engine and take it out of gear...it's not about saving a few cents of gas, it's just about the peace and quiet and the wind in your face...we usually make a contest out of seeing who goes farthest at the end without putting your foot down...I've done this with every bike I've ever owned, and so have all my friends, including guys who were riding when I was just a pup, and I'll be 60 in a couple of weeks...and a lot of these guys are first rate mechanics and can build a bike from the ground up...my point is, I've never known anyone who lost control and had an accident, and have never known anyone who's bike developed a problem from coasting the bike once in awhile...it's just good clean fun, but if it keeps you awake at night, then don't do it...
It is so peaceful. You hear the tires grip the pavement
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: New York
I think I would be more concerned with the restart. I hope you are pulling in the clutch and hitting the electric start button. If you are simply slipping the clutch while in gear I would be worried about the sudden shock to the crank assembly shearing off keyways. Lots of keyways in the motor and trans to consider.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
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I just had a flashback; in the late 70's early 80's I lived in Denver (Arvada) and traveled I-70 regularly. It was during this time I received a ticket for coasting. I had no idea it was against the law.
Can anyone answer if this is still true? Just curious.
Can anyone answer if this is still true? Just curious.